A CLOSER LOOK

Driving in a downtown city can sometimes feel like an obstacle course getting from one point to the next.  In Phoenix Arizona, it's a melting pot of drivers from different walks of life. Arizona is known for its "snow birds",  mid-west natives moving to the warm summer sun, and  California beach tanners looking for  low cost living. Driving on the same lane as these people is a daunting experience every day . Imagine the country slow and steady with the California race car driver. I soon learned if I want to meet a "friend” quickly driving on my direct flight road, we call highways, I get the finger and I give them a wave with a smile. Fair trade off I think?  While I feel the bitterness rise inside me I remember what the bible tells us. James 1:19-20. My dear brothers take note of this, everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. For a man's anger does not bring out the righteous life God desired. One day I was in traffic with rude, crude, and anxious drivers I could feel myself bursting with irritation; like how a weed tries to stretch through the pavement.  I looked up asking God to help me be calm and saw this scene (you see above).  The sky reminded me that my anger can be like the dark clouds surrounding  the bright light that we all have inside of us.  I was thankful for this reminder and I wanted to share it. Drive safe out there!

CREATIVE DESIGN

Pictures are worth a thousand words.  They are a frozen moment in time that lasts forever. As one of the many things I do, I am a music manager. We are always promoting for many different shows and now tours. Since I believe so much in my fiance, Nick Heward, who is a gifted singer and songwriter, it makes working together more meaningful. Nick and Friends recently had a show with blues, gospel, and acoustic tunes. Prior to the show we needed to promote it.  Above is a picture taken by professional photographer Bill Goodman that we turned into a poster for promoting. I went to pic monkey to create the special features and added the information about the show.
Pic monkey has many great attributes that can add a lot to any photograph. It is very easy to use and photos can turn from original to creative art instantly. Please let me know if you used pic monkey and comment below on what you thought. I hope this is an encouraging website to help you design the cherished pictures you take. 1 TIMOTHY 4:14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given to you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 

SERENITY

Finding your serenity in life is not always easy to do. I wanted reading the Bible to be a peaceful experience and allow myself to focus in on what the word says instead of all the "noise" that surrounds me everyday.  Just like making plans with friends, or a date with your significant other, make plans to spend time with God. I usually make a cup of coffee, get comfortable in a surrounding that is quiet, and write down what I have read in order to do further research.  The mind is very powerful and the amount of information that is available to us is limitless.  Why not find out exactly what the Lord is trying to tell you through his word?  In America you can be whatever you want as long as you are dedicated and faithfully pursue the gifts you were given. Knowledge is worth more than money, fame, or material possessions. With knowledge people can acquire the keys to life and living. 

PROVERBS 2:10, 11. For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you. Discover a great way to enjoy your Monday afternoon!!

FINDING THE RIGHT PERSON STARTS WITH BEING THE RIGHT PERSON

Wondering why you can't find the right friends or partner starts with YOU.  Have you heard the saying you can't be happy with someone unless you are happy with yourself? The sayings and phrases we now see for inspiration seem nice when reading them, but it stops there if there is no behavior reflecting it. If you truly are looking for a change in the way your relationships have been going, here are some ideas:

1. Always treat the other person with respect-being in a relationship is NOT ownership. Like a bird, we all want to be free. Go outside and watch a bird fly. If there are any restraints on it's wings it can't fly to the path it was meant to go.  If you are seeing your friends or partner go down a path that you believe is more harmful than beneficial encourage them to see a better way through your own behavior, not telling them what to do. Invite them to enjoy quality time with you and find simplicity in the little things. Pray for them daily. PHILIPPIANS 2:3. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself.

2. Words of Affirmation-We all like to hear good things about ourselves. Same goes for the people you love and spend time with. Simple notes or telling them about the inner qualities you appreciate  (compliments about a person's inner qualities have more meaning than physical) will make their day brighter. I challenge you to try this for one week.  Doing this, especially, to the people who you have had conflict with will change your life...and theirs.
JOHN 17:17. Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.

3. Don't say things you can't take back-This is a difficult one and where I have fallen many times before. In a moment of anger, sometimes people want to hurt the other or be right. It is sometimes hard to admit our faults; but through this is where we find our inner peace. Once the dust settles from a disagreement or argument we have time to reflect. It is easier to clean up a mess from one person instead of two or more. You are responsible for yourself and the things you say. It is not an eye for an eye, if it were where does that get you?  Let's say you are right (in your opinion), think about it...so what.  PROVERBS 17:9. Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.

SIDE NOTE: the ideas and thoughts in this post are based on opinion along with Bible reflection, research, a degree in psychology, and experience. The post does not reflect how I am 100% of the time, but who I strive to be.

All the Best,
Mandy